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After Craig, Who’s Next? Buyout Market Tiers And Likely Teams

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Torrey Craig is the first domino to fall in the NBA’s buyout market

Torrey Craig has joined the Boston Celtics after being waived by the Chicago Bulls. With the NBA trade deadline behind us, front offices now turn their attention to the buyout market. While the trade deadline delivered blockbuster moves, this year’s buyout market lacks the same appeal.

After Craig, Who’s Next? Buyout Market Tiers and Likely Teams

However, teams still have opportunities to bolster their rosters. New rules from the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) prevent players earning above $12.82m (this year’s Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception) from joining teams over the first or second apron. This changes the landscape, making it harder for contenders to add veterans on the cheap.

Despite these restrictions, several players could still reach the buyout market. Let’s examine the most likely candidates and the teams that could use their services.

Surefire Buyouts

Ben Simmons (Brooklyn Nets, PG, 28 years old)

Ben Simmons is the biggest name in buyout discussions. Reports suggest Brooklyn is close to a buyout. If waived, teams like the Cavaliers and Clippers could value his defense and playmaking, though his offensive limitations remain a concern.

Marvin Bagley III (Memphis Grizzlies, C/PF, 26 years old)

  • Remaining Salary: $12.50 million
  • Best Fits: Knicks, Suns, Pacers, Nuggets

Marvin Bagley is on an expiring deal, and Memphis has plenty of frontcourt depth. His numbers have dropped this season, but he remains a capable scorer and rebounder. The Knicks, Suns, and Nuggets all need bench size, making him a prime buyout candidate.

Bojan Bogdanovic (Brooklyn Nets, SF/PF, 35 years old)

Bojan Bogdanovic hasn’t played this season, but teams know his scoring ability. If Brooklyn needs a roster spot, he could be bought out. The Kings, desperate for bench production, would be an ideal landing spot. The Clippers could also show interest, though defensive concerns remain. They also just acquired Bogdan Bogdanovic so he could be redundant to their needs now.

Seth Curry (Charlotte Hornets, PG/SG, 34 years old)

  • Remaining Salary: $2.08 million
  • Best Fits: Any playoff-bound team

Seth Curry’s three-point shooting makes him a valuable target for contenders. If Charlotte needs a roster spot, he’ll likely be waived. His 43.2% career three-point percentage makes him a fit for any team looking to improve floor spacing.

Reggie Jackson (Washington Wizards, PG, 34 years old)

Reggie Jackson, moved in a salary-clearing deal, has no future in Washington. He’ll likely be waived and could join a team needing backcourt depth. However, his impact has been minimal in recent years, making him more of a depth option.

Update: He has been waived by the Wizards.

Tre Jones (Chicago Bulls, PG, 25 years old)

  • Remaining Salary: $9.10 million
  • Best Fits: Lakers, Kings, Nuggets, Clippers

Tre Jones is a quality backup guard. Chicago’s guard-heavy roster makes him expendable, and multiple contenders could use his steady playmaking. The Lakers, Kings, Nuggets, and Clippers all have a need for a reliable second-unit ball-handler.

Uncertain Buyouts

Malcolm Brogdon (Washington Wizards, PG/SG, 32 years old)

Malcolm Brogdon’s situation is complicated. He can’t join apron teams, limiting his options. Washington might prefer keeping him for future trade value as they have his bird rights. Brogdon could have more financial security in the long run sticking with the Wizards. However, if he’s bought out, the Kings could use his bench scoring and playmaking.

Monte Morris (Phoenix Suns, PG, 29 years old)

  • Remaining Salary: $2.08 million
  • Best Fits: Any team needing a backup guard

Monte Morris has fallen out of Phoenix’s rotation. If waived, he would immediately draw interest from teams needing a steady backup guard. Given his veteran minimum contract, teams could even claim him outright.

P.J. Tucker (Toronto Raptors, PF, 39 years old)

PJ Tucker hasn’t played in nearly a year, making his value questionable. However, the Lakers, after shedding some veteran depth via trades at the deadline, might take a chance on his leadership and defensive toughness.

Teams Most Active in the Buyout Market

Several teams will aggressively pursue buyout candidates, while others face limitations due to cap restrictions.

Teams With the Most Need:

  • Knicks – Lacking bench scoring and frontcourt depth.
  • Suns – Struggling in rebounding and missing size after trading Jusuf Nurkic.
  • Kings – Desperate for bench production.
  • Lakers – Could use a point-of-attack defender and bench scoring.

Teams With Limited Buyout Options:

  • Celtics, Nuggets, Lakers, Bucks, Timberwolves, Knicks, Suns – All are over the first or second apron and cannot sign high-salary buyouts.
  • Mavericks, Warriors – Near the first apron, unlikely to be major players.

The 2025 Buyout Market’s Limited upside

The 2025 buyout market won’t be as exciting as previous years, but key contributors could still emerge. While top contenders face restrictions, several playoff teams remain active. Keep an eye on Bagley, Bogdanovic, and Curry as potential impact additions.

© Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The post After Craig, Who’s Next? Buyout Market Tiers And Likely Teams appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.